Green Tea and its Antioxidant Benifits

People from all parts of the world consume Tea. It is the most preferred drink next only to water. People prefer tea over other caffeinated beverages because, the caffeine levels in tea are less and it has some medicinal values as well. Tea is first originated in China many centuries ago. It is a widely used herb to cure many diseases because of its medicinal values. Gradually, it spread to other parts of Asia and then to the west. Today, tea is grown in almost all the parts of the world.

Tea is broadly classified into three categories: green, black & oblong. Depending on the area grown, today, many varieties of tea with different names are available in the market. But, the fact is, all the varieties of tea come from the same plant called Camellia sinensis. Of all the varieties of tea, green tea is considered as the healthier one because the leaves are not fermented in the process. The high amount of antioxidant called catechin fights to remove the cancer causing free radicals in our body. Regular intake of green tea helps our body in preventing skin cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer.

Green tea helps in losing weight and stops the fat from accumulating around waist. The antioxidants present in the green tea boost the metabolism of our body that results in burning fat faster. Study states that, intake of 3 to 4 cups of green tea in a day burns around 70 calories (depends on lifestyle and food intake). Regular intake of green tea can slow the process of aging and it also works on to remove the problems of acne. The antioxidants in green tea help lower the levels of bad cholesterol and improve the levels good cholesterol. It also prevents clotting of blood that causes heart problems.

Green tea is a natural pain reliever. It cures headache and refreshes mood. Drinking green tea regularly minimizes the pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Daily consumption of green tea is good for diabetes as it stabilizes the insulin levels. Research says that the antioxidants in green tea protects the cells in brain and prevent Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. The antioxidants in the green tea help manage the dental health by killing the bacteria that causes plaque. Research shows that the antioxidants in green tea protects the liver from the effects of any toxic substances and reduces the inflammation.

To enjoy a tasty cup of green tea, it has to be brewed perfectly. If the leaves are brewed for more than the required time, then it will taste bitter. To make one cup of tea, one teaspoon of leaves is enough. The water must be heated up to 80 degrees Celsius, and the leaves should be left in the water to steep for around 2 minutes. Green tea tastes good as it is. But it’s taste will enhance by adding a dash of lime juice and a drop of honey.